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A crew of scientists got to experience that, as part of NASA’s simulated Mars mission on the Big Island.

They completed the first phase of the mission Friday.

They spent four months isolated from the world, living inside a simulated planetary base on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

“We were essentially strangers getting here. So when we were placed into the habitat in such a confined space you kind of learned everybody’s personality and their likes and dislikes,” NASA Chief Engineer Anne Caraccio.

“It’s fun to think that I’ve spent four months in Hawai’i and I’ve never seen the beach!” crew member Lucie Poulet said.